The WPS Tech Dept is preparing an overhaul of our online communications systems with a move to a product called Thrillshare by Apptegy. Thrillshare is an integrated system of website, smartphone app, automated and push notifications, and social media connectivity. This transition, occurring during the Spring of 2023, will include a new, modern, mobile-friendly website that showcases the excellent creative teaching and learning in Walpole. Additionally, the phone app and communication systems are designed to make sharing of information easy between schools and families, including automatic language translation. The system will allow us to reach families on their phones "where they are" and on social media feeds, rather than relying primarily on email.

The district held two live webinar sessions focused on elementary and middle school students (3/13 and 3/15). The sessions were recorded and can be accessed here for the elementary schools and here for the middle schools. The high school version of the Online Safety webinar is on Monday, April 3rd at 7pm. Registration link

WPS invites families to attend ELPAC to discuss opportunities for the educational success of students who are currently or were formerly in the English Learner Education (ELE) program. The meetings also provide an opportunity to network with other families as we continue to build collaborative partnerships. The next meeting of ELPAC will be on March 29th, from 6-7 PM in the WHS media center.

The Walpole Friends of Music is seeking new officers and members to succeed the current board. Walpole Friends of Music has been supporting music education for decades and needs new members to advance the organization to its next chapter. The mission of the WFM is to support and enhance the music programs of the Walpole Public Schools.

The Scholastic Art Awards are the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. This is a remarkable achievement for our students whose work was

recognized by a panel of creative professionals as the most outstanding work submitted among their peers.

Several WPS students were awarded Gold, Silver or Honorable Mention awards in this year's 2022-2023 Massachusetts Scholastic Art Awards. Gold Key artwork is currently being reviewed at the national level, and national medalists will be selected at the end of the month. To view all of their outstanding artwork, click HERE.

Attention all current 8th graders interested in the STEM field. Walpole High School is currently accepting applications for the STEM Academy Class of 2027. All information including the online application can be found by visiting WHS STEM Academy. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2023. Students should contact their current technology teacher or Mr. Braccini at jbraccini@walpole.k12.ma.us with any questions.

WPS has partnered with Linewize by Family Zone to provide our school community with online safety and digital wellness education. Psychologist and Linewize’s Director of Community Engagement, Teodora Pavkovi, will host a live webinar to walk you through our district’s Online Safety Hub. She will show you exactly how to use this key resource for any of your digital parenting questions.

During this session you will also learn:

• The 8 key online safety risks children face today

• Practical strategies to reduce these risks

• The ABC approach to setting up your home for online safety

The last segment of the presentation will be dedicated to questions.

The two live webinar sessions focuses on elementary and middle school students (a session for high school families will be scheduled soon). If you are unable to attend, the sessions will also be recorded for later viewing.

• Monday, March 13, 7pm (best for elementary school families) Registration link

• Wednesday, March 15, 7pm (best for middle school families) Registration link

Please use the Registration links above to register. If you would like to send Ms. Pavkovic your questions in advance, please contact Tom Reeve, treeve@walpole.k12.ma.us.

This new addition to the Superintendent’s Update highlights recent WHS graduates.

Nora Mortali, 2018 WHS graduate, was recently featured in Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences blog. Her student profile, which includes her work and research in Biomedical Engineering can be found HERE.

If you know a recent WHS graduate who should be recognized for shaping the future and making a difference, please let us know!

With the spring semester of many colleges ending in early May, many college students are beginning to inquire about substituting in our schools. If you are interested, please apply HERE.

The construction of the new combined middle school and general site development is advancing. Excavation, backfilling foundations, and west rain garden install is ongoing while. retaining wall construction at the east property line and the water line install continues. Concrete pours are ongoing for both footings and foundation walls.

The community is encouraged to contact the Middle School Project team with any questions or comments via email at middleschoolproject@walpole.k12.ma.us or visit the middle school project webpage. The current construction look ahead schedule is also posted on this site.